to Mayor Poundstone last night. Mrs. P. admired it so!"

"Ah! Then it was that rascally Poundstone who told your uncle about
the temporary franchise, thus arousing his suspicions to such an
extent that when he heard his locomotive rumbling into town, he
smelled a rat and hurried down to the crossing?"

"Possibly. The Poundstones dined at our house last night."

"Pretty hard on you, I should say. But then I suppose you have to
play the game with Uncle Seth. Well, good morning, Shirley. Sorry to
hurry you away, but you must remember we're on a strictly business
basis--yet; and you mustn't waste my time."

"You're horrid, Bryce Cardigan."

"You're adorable. Good morning."

"You'll be sorry for this," she warned him. "Good morning." She
passed out into the general office, visited with Moira about five
minutes, and drove away in the Napier. Bryce watched her through the
window. She knew he was watching her, but nevertheless she could not
forbear turning round to verify her suspicions. When she did, he
waved his sound arm at her, and she flushed with vexation.

"God bless her!" he murmured. "She's been my ally all along, and I
never suspected it! I wonder what her game can be."

He sat musing for a long time. "Yes," he concluded presently, "old
Poundstone has double-crossed us--and Pennington made it worth his